The only positive I can see (well it looks like we get a good look at Tillow to make up for all of those Spuffy scenes we've seen) is this will help focus the show on Buffy's story, which is what it is all about after all. But, On the main board we see a poll of favorite characters, #1 Spike - a reiteration of just how evil Spike can be (reminds us of Joss's quote about people not remembering that Spike is a vampire) and send him out of the main story, #2 - Tara - kill her (when she comes back next year, I still believe she won't be "alive", on a very wide side not, what would someone like tara be if they were turned to a vamp?), #3 - Willow - make her evil and destroy what makes her popular, her innocence and geekiness. Lets just say the PTB at Mutant Enemy aren't afraid of taking a few risks, including alienating their entire fan base in 1 episode.
